Letter from the Editor – October 2018

Dear Readers,

It’s being coined the ‘Drought of the Century’ but here on the Eastern coastline we can be quite oblivious to the true effect the drought is having on those who live even just a few hundred kilometres West of us. Growing up down the road from my grandparents dairy farm on the rich farmlands of the Lockyer Valley, I was more than aware of the effects the drought had in my Community.

The Lockyer Valley is considered one of the most fertile areas in the world, rated in the top ten. Referred to as the ‘Salad bowl of Australia’, the Lockyer Valley was drought declared in May this year, making it the twenty-third Council to be declared in drought by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. At the time of writing, 58.1% of Queensland is drought declared.

So why you should you care? Other than considering that the Agricultural Industry is people’s livelihoods, Australia has the highest standards when it comes to food quality. We truly are the lucky country. Consider doing what you can to ensure we’re not left with an inferior product produced overseas. Things are not looking good for the medium-term future of the industry, as written about by experts from the Bureau of Meteorology here.

To add on to that, a horrific tampering incident and consequent copycat incidents has brought the strawberry industry to it’s knees. The Moreton Bay region is responsible for 40% of Australian grown strawberries. I implore you that you do what you can to assist, in whatever way you can. Whether it be heading directly to one of our local strawberry farms to purchase fresh produce or by donating to a dedicated drought relief charity, such as the Drought Angels or Buy a Bale.